DeKalb GA News

Legislators convened for the 14th to 17th Legislative Days this week, focusing on several significant bills. The Senate engaged in lengthy debates over contentious legislation, with most bills still navigating the committee process. Notably, the Senate Judiciary Committee deliberated Governor Kemp's tort reform proposals for over five hours.

The House is concentrating on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget following their approval of the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 budget via House Bill 67. Appropriations subcommittees in both chambers are actively working on budget recommendations.

A critical deadline looms as legislators have two and a half weeks to advance their bills out of committee before Crossover Day on March 6. The General Assembly will resume sessions next Tuesday.

In other developments, Speaker Burns announced Chris Riley as interim chief of staff after Terry England was injured in an accident. Speaker Burns stated, "while we’re deeply saddened by the circumstances of this transition, Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable as we continue our work on behalf of the people of our great state."

Governor Kemp's tort reform initiatives include Senate Bills 68 and 69. SB 68 introduces changes in civil practice and liability provisions, while SB 69 targets third-party litigation financing practices. Both bills passed committee votes and await further action.

Other legislative priorities for Governor Kemp include tax-related measures such as House Bills 111 and 112, aimed at reducing income tax rates and providing one-time tax credits. These bills cleared the Ways and Means Committee but need further consideration.

Social issues also featured prominently this week. The Senate approved Senate Bill 39, restricting gender-affirming care under state health plans. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 30 seeks to limit medical treatments for minors related to gender dysphoria.

Education legislation includes House Bill 192, promoting career-tech integration in schools, while Senator Marty Harbin introduced Senate Bill 120 to restrict diversity programs in educational institutions.

Senator Jason Anavitarte proposed a sales tax holiday for guns through Senate Bill 47, which passed the Senate floor vote.

Efforts to improve government efficiency were reflected in the passage of Senate Bill 46 by Senator Marty Harbin, aiming to enhance service delivery across agencies.

Immigration-related legislation includes Senate Bill 21 by Blake Tillery addressing sanctuary city policies and DNA collection requirements under new immigration detainer notices proposed by Senator Tim Bearden.

Lastly, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones highlighted school choice expansion for foster families through Senate Bill 152 introduced by Senator Greg Dolezal.

This report is provided by the Regional Business Coalition of Metropolitan Atlanta (RBC), representing major Chambers of Commerce throughout metro Atlanta with a focus on public policy issues affecting regional quality of life and economic vitality.